Tuesday February 19th, 2013

Posted at 9:41am

The RCMP is warning of a new computer scam after they have been receiving reports from individuals who say their computers are being frozen or they have been “locked out” of their computers after receiving pop-up messages warning them their computer has been associated with pornography.

These warning messages, which claim to be from the RCMP, tell the recipient to pay $100 via Ukash so their computer can be “unlocked”. Recipients of this pop-up messages are further warned that if they do not pay the $100 fine within 72 hours criminal proceedings will commence against them.

These types of messages, commonly known as scareware, are designed to create such shock and anxiety that victims respond by sending money quickly.

If you receive one of these messages, the RCMP warn that it is a scam, and not to pay the $100. If you have been locked out of your computer, it’s an indicator that your system may have been infected with malware and you will need to take steps to address the problem.

If you’ve received a scareware message, you are asked to contact police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 to report it.